11th International Ski Congress: 24th to 26th February 1930 – Oslo (NOR)

26 delegates from 15 countries

The birth of Alpine Skiing

“Karl Dannegger (SUI), opened the debate with a brief resume and explained the new rules for the Slalom and the Downhill. He proposed that the vote be in favour of the British proposal.

Then, N. R. Östgaard said that the Norwegian Ski Association, in agreement with the other Nordic associations (Sweden and Finland) would not, after all, oppose the inclusion of Slalom and Downhill races in the FIS International Regulations. This was a great surprise for all the delegates! What had happened? Well, the three Nordic countries had met on the previous afternoon and had changed their minds. They were now in favour of these ‘new’ races.

Rohmberg (AUT) said that he was happy that the problem had been solved so easily and without dramatic discussions. No other delegate took the floor. Even Arnold Lunn had not spoken throughout the meeting, but he was visibly relieved. The President of the FIS, Ivar Holmquist, then said with a smile, I propose that we vote in favour of the following supplement to paragraph 3 of the International Regulations:
‘Downhill and Slalom races may be organised.’

The proposal was adopted unanimously. This simple sentence radically changed the world of skiing”